
Best Backpacking Destinations in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
1. Taipei 101
Iconic skyscraper with an observatory offering panoramic city views.
- Height Advantage: Provides a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
- Quick Access: Easily reachable by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus services.
- Evening Light Show: Features a stunning light show in the evening.
2. National Palace Museum
World's largest collection of Chinese artifacts under one roof.
- Historical Significance: Houses over 700,000 pieces of art and artifacts.
- Educational Value: Offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Convenient Location: Located in Shilin District, easily accessible by public transportation.
3. Jiufen Old Street
Vibrant night market offering traditional Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs.
- Cultural Experience: Retains the atmosphere of a traditional mountain village.
- Food Variety: Known for its famous Taiwanese dessert, A-Gei.
- Scenic Views: Overlooks the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
4. Yangmingshan National Park
Natural paradise featuring hot springs, hiking trails, and cherry blossoms.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- Hiking Opportunities: Features several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
- Relaxation Zone: Has hot springs for a relaxing soak after a long day of exploring.
5. Ximending Pedestrian Area
Trendy shopping district with fashion boutiques, street food, and live music.
- Fashion Hotspot: Home to popular local clothing brands.
- Street Performances: Offers daily live music and dance performances.
- Youthful Vibe: Known as the 'Harajuku of Taipei' due to its vibrant youth culture.
6. Longshan Temple
Historic temple with a rich cultural and spiritual history.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest temples in Taiwan, built in 1738.
- Cultural Experience: Attracts a diverse crowd for prayer and festivals.
- Architectural Beauty: A stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture.
7. Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf
Popular waterfront area with food stalls, performances, and a lighthouse.
- Food Options: Features seafood dishes fresh from the ocean.
- Night Market: Has a vibrant night market selling local delicacies and souvenirs.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the Tamsui River and sunsets.
8. Shifen Waterfall
Taiwan's most famous waterfall with a 40-meter drop.
- Natural Wonder: The tallest waterfall in northern Taiwan.
- Hiking Opportunities: Located near the Shifen Scenic Area with hiking trails nearby.
- Photography Spot: Provides a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos.
9. Beitou Hot Spring Museum
A museum showcasing the history of Taiwan's hot spring culture.
- Cultural Insight: Explores the origins and evolution of hot spring therapy.
- Relaxation: Adjacent to several hot spring bathhouses for visitors.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by MRT from downtown Taipei.
10. Dadaocheng Wharf
Historic wharf area with old warehouses and a beautiful fountain.
- Architectural Preservation: Retains the original structure of old warehouses.
- Cultural Experience: Hosts events and exhibitions showcasing local culture.
- Scenic Beauty: Features a stunning fountain display during the evening.
11. Taipei Zoo
Home to over 1,600 species of animals and giant pandas.
- Animal Diversity: Features a wide variety of animal species.
- Giant Panda Enclosure: Houses two giant pandas on loan from China.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about wildlife conservation.
12. Hualien Taroko Gorge
Breathtaking gorge with marble cliffs and hiking trails.
- Natural Beauty: A stunning example of Taiwan's natural landscape.
- Hiking Opportunities: Features several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous viewpoints for photographing the gorge.
13. Sun Moon Lake
Largest lake in Taiwan with a unique double-lake shape.
- Natural Wonder: The shape of the lake resembles a sun and a moon.
- Relaxation: Offers boat tours, hot springs, and scenic spots for relaxation.
- Cultural Experience: Features the Wenwu Temple, a sacred site for the Thao people.
14. Tainan Anping Fort
Historic fortress showcasing Taiwan's colonial past.
- Historical Significance: Constructed during the Dutch colonial era in the 17th century.
- Cultural Experience: Houses a museum showcasing Taiwan's history and culture.
- Architectural Beauty: A well-preserved example of Dutch colonial architecture.
15. Taichung Rainbow Village
Colorful military dependent village transformed into an art installation.
- Artistic Expression: Features vibrant murals and artwork by a local artist.
- Historical Significance: Originally built as military housing in the 1950s.
- Instagrammable Spot: A popular spot for photography and social media posts.